5 Days, Zero Debate: Parliament Adjourned Till Monday Amid Opposition's Resignation Demand

The Lok Sabha remained paralysed for the fifth consecutive day on Friday as the standoff between the government and the opposition over the NEET paper leak controversy showed no signs of easing. With the opposition continuing to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, repeated disruptions forced the House to be adjourned until Monday without conducting any substantive business.

When the House reconvened at noon after an earlier adjournment, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the opposition to allow a discussion on the issue, arguing that refusing to debate the matter would send the "wrong message" to the country. Addressing Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said the government had repeatedly invited opposition parties to participate in a discussion and appealed for cooperation in ensuring Parliament functions.

The minister maintained that while several opposition members were willing to debate the issue, attaching preconditions such as the minister's resignation before any discussion was not in the national interest. He also pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured strict action against those involved in paper leaks, including a new anti-paper leak law and fast-track trials for the accused. Rijiju added that the Union Cabinet was expected to take a decision on the proposed legislation later in the day.

However, the opposition remained firm, raising slogans demanding Pradhan's resignation. Although Rahul Gandhi sought to speak during the proceedings, he was informed that he would be given an opportunity after ministers completed the laying of official papers. Before that could happen, continued protests prompted the Chair to adjourn the House for the day.

Earlier in the morning, Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to the armed forces ahead of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas and appealed to members to allow the Question Hour to function, noting that it had failed to run properly on all five sitting days of the Monsoon Session so far. Despite his appeal, disruptions continued, extending the parliamentary deadlock over the NEET controversy.